Hearing Honglian’s words, Prince Ning and Wanqing could no longer suppress their laughter, bursting into loud amusement.
“You little imp, I never imagined you’d ask for my cooperation just to scare him like this. Looking at Sun Fengyu’s expression, I doubt he’d ever dare dream of marrying you again…”
Recalling his sister’s rare and mischievous demeanor earlier, Prince Ning laughed heartily before composing himself. He sat down, took a sip of tea, and nodded approvingly at Wanqing.
“Well, if a thousand kind words couldn’t get through to him, a dose of harsh medicine was necessary. And it worked, thanks to your perfect acting, Brother Ning. Now, I just hope Sun Fengyu is so terrified that he personally begs the Empress to annul the engagement. Once that’s done, things will be much easier for me.”
Wanqing had struggled to keep a straight face while watching Sun Fengyu’s horrified reaction earlier. Now, she chuckled lightly, though her eyes still held concern.
“Indeed. Today, while at the palace, I accidentally learned that one of the old maidservants who attended our mother is still alive. I’m currently tracking down her whereabouts—I’m sure we’ll find her soon.”
Seeing how deeply Wanqing cared about uncovering the truth behind their mother’s death, Prince Ning nodded solemnly and shared his discovery.
“Once we find her, the truth about Mother’s death will come to light.” He met Wanqing’s gaze calmly as he spoke.
“Good. Then I’ll leave it to you, Brother. But remember, this matter must remain confidential…”
Relieved by her brother’s news, Wanqing still cautioned him with a serious expression.
“Don’t worry, I know how to handle things. Now that you’re awake, you should rest more. I still need to visit Minister Wang and Minister Qian—after years of waiting, it’s time to act. Whoever harmed our mother or threatens the empire will pay. Honglian, take good care of your mistress.”
Prince Ning smiled reassuringly at Wanqing, though his heart ached at her exhaustion. After years of patience, he was ready to reclaim his power. With a final nod to her and his attendants, he departed.
“Honglian, I’m fine now. Brother Ning only has Qingfeng and the others by his side—you and Wenchun should keep an eye on him. Though he hasn’t said anything, I sense he’s about to take action. After years of staying low, some things in the court may have changed.”
Watching her brother leave, Wanqing couldn’t shake her unease. She instructed Honglian before retiring to rest.
—
Sun Fengyu sprinted all the way home, only stopping to catch his breath once he reached the Sun residence.
“Yu’er, what’s wrong? Weren’t you visiting the Second Miss Mu? Why are you so panicked? Did something happen?”
His parents, who had been drinking tea together, immediately noticed his pale, terrified expression. His mother, alarmed, questioned him.
“Father, Mother… I—I don’t want to marry that girl anymore! Please, beg Auntie to cancel the engagement! I—!”
The memory of what he’d witnessed at the Mu residence haunted him. Though Prince Ning’s taunts hadn’t fazed him, the thought of that seemingly sweet girl casually poisoning someone—someone who had genuinely cared for her—made his blood run cold. Trembling, he clutched his mother’s hand in desperation.
“Child, did you quarrel with Miss Mu? You said you could charm her into submission! Once you’re married, everything will fall into place. What’s gotten into you?”
His mother frowned, baffled by his sudden change of heart.
“She—she’s not human! She—!”
Sun Fengyu shuddered at the thought of being bound to a woman who treated human life as playthings.
“Nonsense! That girl is refined, beautiful, and filial—nothing like her venomous sister. You—!” His father scolded.
“You’ve only seen her façade! The truth is—!”
Frustrated by his parents’ disbelief, Sun Fengyu haltingly recounted what he had witnessed.
“What?! You mean she not only has an improper relationship with Prince Ning, but she also—? Husband, even if elevating the Sun family is important, Yu’er is our only son! If his life is at her mercy… We must speak to the Empress!”
Horrified, Lady Sun turned to her husband, her maternal instincts overriding ambition.
“Enough! Don’t forget the Empress’s favor! The boy never liked the girl to begin with. Yes, I know she uses poison—but she even saved someone who wronged her! How evil can she truly be? I’ll consult the Empress before making any decisions.”
Though troubled, Sun Guoju refused to act rashly. After calming his wife and son, he hurried to the palace for guidance.
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